Lao Korrine Semler

Lao Korrine Semler, 90 of Appleton, Minnesota, died Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Appleton Area Health Nursing home. A visitation for Lao will be at 12:00 to 1:00 pm Friday, December 27, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, Minnesota, with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 pm.  Burial will be held at the Appleton City Cemetery.

Lao Korrine Semler was born November 11, 1934, daughter of Kenneth and Leona (Knutson) in Canby, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. Lao grew up in Canby and attended school there, graduating from Canby High School. One of Lao’s fondest memories was cheering for the Canby basketball team at the state tournament, finishing second at “The Barn” in Minneapolis.

In 1954, Lao was joined in marriage to Harvey Kack in Canby, Minnesota. They lived in Minneapolis, Iowa, and Osakis, Minnesota, moving to Appleton, Minnesota, in the late 1950s, raising three children: Jeff, Denise, and Pam.

On October 27, 1979, Lao and Lynn Semler were united in marriage and were married for 23 years, living on the farm near Correll, Minnesota.

Lao worked at Mount Sinai Hospital in Minneapolis as a nurse assistant as well as at the Canby Hospital.  She took lots of pride and joy in being at home and taking care of her children throughout their school years.  Years later, Lao had the opportunity to coach the Appleton golf team which she took great joy in. However, her most rewarding work was at the Appleton nursing home as a Certified Nursing Assistant for 36 years, retiring at age 78.

Lao had many interests including golf league, Bridge and Wrist clubs, baking numerous desserts to always have in her freezer, dancing, and travel, but her most passionate activity was serving others. She was a very compassionate, giving person, always putting others before herself and sharing her love of life with all those around her.

Lao was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where she was involved as a council member, music leader and teacher, as well as a member of the Women’s Circle. She reliably assisted with the serving of the annual Church lutefisk dinners and served at the Swift County Fair church stand.

Lao is survived by her children: Jeff (Louise) Kack of Appleton, Denise (Wayne) Stromme of Fargo North Dakota, and Pamela (Dan) Schlueter of Goodyear, Arizona; five grandchildren: Nicolett Stromme, Thomas (Erika) Kack, Shane (Brianna) Kack, Jennifer (Darin) Brandenburger, and Lacy (Quinton) Wells; and nine great-grandchildren; stepchildren: Craig (Brenda) Semler,  Paulette (Dave) Rorem, Deb (Tim) Lyon, and families.

Lao was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Leona Mohn, her husband Lynn, grandchildren Daniel J Stromme and Chance Joseph Schlueter, sister Mavis Qualley, and brothers-in-law Joel Christianson and Bud Qualley.

Blessed be the memory of Lao Semler. All have gained to have had her in our lives.